A common response we hear from employees is that they didn’t realize they were violating a policy. And that’s not always a sign of willful misconduct—it’s often a sign of unclear expectations. That’s exactly why a well-thought-out code of conduct is critical. It’s your chance to set the tone for your organization and share what you expect from team members.
If you’re stumped on where to begin, don’t panic—we put together an employee code of conduct template to simplify the process. You can use this to create one for your organization, along with review examples of other exceptional versions.
About the Code of Conduct Template
As an ER leader, creating a clear and thoughtful code of conduct should be at the top of your priorities list. It helps your team keep things running smoothly.
Another important note: having a code is just the beginning. Revisiting it regularly is just as important. An outdated code of conduct policy template can be just as unhelpful as not having one at all. (And if you’re looking to update your code of conduct, look no further.)
Why Customize a Code of Conduct Template?
Now, you might be wondering: If we’ve already shared this info across handbooks, onboarding docs and internal sites, do we really need a separate employee code of conduct template?
Short answer: absolutely.
Long answer: A well-written company code of conduct template is non-negotiable. It’s the go-to guide for what’s expected (and what’s not acceptable) in your workplace. It’s the one document that clearly spells out acceptable and unacceptable behaviors, making it easier for everyone to stay aligned.
A great staff code of conduct template provides exactly what every team needs: clarity, consistency and structure. And let’s be honest, it’s so much easier to refer to one central doc than to dig through your company intranet in search of all a bunch of different policies.
Before you dive into customizing your code of conduct template, make sure you’ve got your key procedures in order. That includes disciplinary action, attendance policies and anything else you’ll need to reference. Once you have that, you’re ready to use our sample code of conduct to build your own.
One last note we’ll leave you with before we share some examples: every company is different. What works for your team may not work for others and vice versa. The goal is to build a code of conduct that works for your business—which is why a strong company code of conduct template is highly customizable.
Real-World Company Code of Conduct Examples
The best way to create a foolproof code of conduct is to spend some time looking at what your peers have done.
We’ve rounded up some of our favorites for inspiration. Then, when you’re ready, take our sample code of conduct template and make it your own.
Walmart’s “Integrity Builds Trust” Code of Conduct
Walmart centers its code of conduct around one essential concept: building trust.
The company kicks off with “trust begins with you,” which immediately reminds the employee of their duty to act responsibly. We also love that Walmart’s Code of Conduct features its distinctive branding, is available in various languages and clearly defines key terms. Plus, it encourages employees to ask themselves ethical questions before making a decision.
Consider this: If you don’t already, offer your code of conduct in different languages.
CVS’s ‘Bringing Our Heart to Your Health’
CVS’s code of conduct establishes acceptable behaviors at work from the get-go.
Team members don’t have to search around for boundaries—they’re presented immediately. This code of conduct is also divided into shorter sections, which makes it more readable.
Consider this: How can you make sure your code of conduct is as easy-to-digest as possible?
BP’s ‘We Do the Right Thing’
BP’s code of conduct encourages its team members to “do the right thing.”
It begins with a note from the CEO and chair and, similar to Walmart’s, dives into questions that employees should ask themselves when faced with ethical dilemmas. The table of content even outlines where to find necessary information. BP also lands itself on our successful examples of code of conduct because it includes a how-to portion on using the company’s whistleblower hotline. Finally, it adds a note on how the team manages investigations and concerns.
Consider this: How can you infuse transparency into your code of conduct?
Comcast ‘Do What’s Right’
Comcast kicks off its code of conduct with its core values, encouraging team members to “do what’s right.”
Then, it gives practical examples of how to use good judgement when making decisions. Comcast strikes a perfect balance between providing enough information and not being too long. Plus, the photos and on-brand color scheme make it visually engaging.
Consider this: How can you encourage your team to act with reputation in mind?
Google’s “Don’t Be Evil” Principle
Remember Google’s famous mantra, “Don’t Be Evil?”
This simple yet powerful guiding principle helped Google maintain a strong reputation for ethical behavior and social responsibility. Although the phrase was officially retired in 2018, it still serves as a reminder for employees to act altruistically and be mindful about doing the right thing.
Consider this: Can you use a similarly catchy and inspiring motto?
Starbucks’ Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Starbucks uses its code to showcase how it believes in DEI.
It reflects this commitment by explicitly promoting ethical principles of equality and inclusivity in the workplace. Starbucks states:
“We respect diversity in each other, our customers and suppliers and all others with whom we interact. Our goal is to be one of the most inclusive companies globally, working toward full equity, inclusion and accessibility for those whose lives we touch.”
Consider this: How can your company show its dedication to diversity and inclusion? (Hint: including it in your code of conduct is a great starting point!)
Microsoft’s Integrity and Innovation at the Core
Microsoft, the tech giant we all know, puts integrity and innovation at the heart of its code of conduct.
The company’s Standards of Business Conduct—known as the Trust Code—make it clear that being honest, fair and accountable is the way to go. Microsoft wants its employees to think outside the box and break new ground in tech, while sticking to tight ethical standards. It encourages employees to pause and think critically with this question: “When making decisions, ask yourself, does this build or harm trust with our customers?”
Consider this: How can you motivate your employees to consider how their decisions impact customers?
Empower Your Employee Relations Team with HR Acuity
With a sample Code of Conduct template, you can have yours drafted quickly and efficiently. HR Acuity supports you at every step of your employee relations journey, providing a unified platform for investigating, tracking and resolving issues. Our all‑in‑one case management software ensures every matter is handled promptly, consistently and fairly to minimize legal risk and protect your organization’s reputation.
Ready to foster a more transparent and safer workplace? It all starts with your Code of Conduct. Download our template now and get started!
